Abstract: A signal processing device having a level adapter circuit, in particular a broad band oscilloscope, having an operational amplifier with an amplification factor determined by the ratio of a first resistor between the signal input and the inverting input of the operational amplifier--the virtual ground--and a second resistor between the inverting input of the operational amplifier and the signal output, in which the resistors may optionally be complex, in which at least one parallel resistor is provided for the first resistor, the first terminal of which is firmly connected to the signal input or a connecting point of a plurality of partial resistors forming the first resistor, and the second terminal of which can be switched over between the inverting input of the operational amplifier, which input forms the virtual ground, and the real reference potential for the amplifier input.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for metering polyphase power sources in which cycles for each phase are sampled at each degree and converted to a binary representation of amplitude. Sampling commences with a zero cross-over and a first digital conversion provides range data for developing scaling factors which are retained in memory and for providing a selective gain for amplifying. The scaling factor and the range data then are multipled to develop a digital representation of the sample amplitude which may have as many as 21 significant bits plus a sign bit. These expanded data valuations for current and voltage then are selectively multiplied for each degree sampled to develop data available for generation of 12 electrical parameter outputs. Generally, six of these outputs will be elected by the user. Volt amperes are computed with respect to the zero cross-over events for both voltage and current samples, while quantities such as Q and var are developed by selective delayed multiplication of the unit degree samples.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring current over a wide range generates an eight bit accurate, 16-bit dynamic range digital signal from a current transformer secondary. Two signals proportional to the rectified secondary current, one generated by a large burden resistor and the other by an amplifier with programmable gain and an overrange indication, are applied through a multiplexer to an eight bit analog to digital converter which has three selectable reference voltages. A microprocessor selects the input signal, converter reference voltage, and one of four levels of amplifier gain which provide the greatest resolution for the magnitude of the current being measured, and provides an appropriate scale factor, from 2.sup.0 to 2.sup.8, for the eight bit accurate digital signal generated by the analog to digital converter.

Abstract: An solid-state electricity meter includes an electronic measuring unit with an analog/digital converter which receives signals from amplifiers for various measurement ranges, and a control section with a microcomputer wherein the meter signal is processed, taking into account correction factors for the various elements of the circuit. Each correction factor is a single value for each respective measurement range, and the correction factors for each range are contained in corresponding meter-characteristic quantities which are stored in the electricity meter. Each meter-characteristic quantity represents a measurement value corresponding to a specific quantity of energy. Only a few (e.g., only 4) meter-characteristic quantities need be stored in the electricity meter. These meter-characteristic quantitites can be determined in a conventional calibration procedure, and they enable all the fixed errors of the signal processing to be compensated.

Abstract: A multimeter comprising a clip-on device (12) and a Hall-effect measuring circuit (5) for measuring either a direct or an alternating current I. Moreover, the multimeter comprises a voltage-measuring circuit (2) for measuring either a d.c. or an a.c. voltage U as applied to two input/output combination sockets (3, 4). By means of a function transformer (30), a digitizing unit (19), a digital unit (25) and further circuit components which also include a battery-operated power-supply unit (1), the measured current and/or voltage values, by taking into due consideration any stored correcting values as well as such correcting values which result from adjusting measurements, and any circuit-specific constants as already previously stored by the manufacturer, are processed in accordance with predetermined rules for proportioning into display signal-waveform-independent values relating to the current I, the voltage U, the apparent power Ps, the real power Pw, the power factor, the frequency f, and further values.

Abstract: An auto-ranging circuit for an electronic watthour meter employs high- and low-range sources for increasing the dynamic range over which satisfactory measurement accuracy can be maintained. A counter, having a capacity equal to the ratio of high-range to low-range is interposed in the output during use of the low-range source so that output pulses have the same energy-consumption significance at all time. At transition from low-range to high-range, any residue in the counter, representing energy consumed but not yet recognized by the generation of an output pulse, is preset into an integrator of the electronic watthour meter for reducing correspondingly the amount of energy consumption required to produce an output pulse in the first measurement cycle following the low- to high-range transition.

Abstract: An electric watthour meter includes apparatus for delaying a seasonal rate change until data accumulated in the meter is read out. Dates in a rate-change library, consisting of dates on which a rate change is authorized, are compared each day with the current date. When a match between a rate-change date and the current date is found, an arming signal is generated. The arming signal remains ineffective until a reset signal is generated at the completion of meter reading. Following the reset signal, the arming signal is reset.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for the input circuit of a meter for simultaneously measuring two electrical quantities is disclosed. The circuit includes a current transformer including a primary winding, two substantially equal secondary windings and a pulse amplitude modulator associated with each secondary winding. Connections are made from each secondary winding to one terminal of its associated and non-associated pulse amplitude modulators, respectively. The circuit can be manufactured simply and economically while providing a high quality meter. Other embodiments provide additional advantages.

Abstract: A prepayment utility metering method and apparatus which uses encoded mag-stripe cards to transfer purchase information from the utility billing office to the customer's premises. The mag-stripe cards are read at the customer's premises by a microprocessor-controlled utility metering and control device which meters the utilities according to the amount purchased at the utility billing office. The value information encoded on the mag-stripe cards is comprised of the amount of the purchase coded in terms of number of shaft revolutions of the metering disk, a rate schedule for metering the value of the utilities consumed, and a special sequential password containing an encrypted combination of the consumer's account number, the consumer's site identification, and the sequence number of the current purchase. This encoding scheme for prepayment of utilities provides an effective and economical method of distributing utilities that prevents fraud and tampering.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electricity meter mainly intended for measuring, registration and reading of one or more consumers' electricity power consumption and/or energy consumption. To the electricity meter a display (12) is connected which is adapted to indicate momentary power consumption, present electricity tariff and accumulated energy consumption expressed in monentary units. The electricity meter is an electronic construction and includes a central processing unit (1) with a microprocessor, one sensor(2) intended for detecting of a consumer's power consumption and a number of memory cells (1a-52d) adapted in a predetermined manner to consecutively receive and store information, calculated and transferred by the central processing unit (1). The electricity meter is also adapted to be connected to a read unit (5) by which stored information and electricity tariffs can be transferred to a central computer, located at, for example, an electrical power producer.

Abstract: In an electronic watt-hour meter including a power measuring device and a clock circuit, a data setting device for setting data such as time zones, holidays and the like and programs is detachably connected to a data transmission circuit, while a PROM for storing the set data and programs and a ROM for storing programs required for receiving the set data and programs through the data transmission circuit and storing the same in the PROM are provided in a memory circuit. Under the control of a CPU, an electric power measured by the power measuring device is processed in accordance with the data and the programs stored in the PROM and displayed on a displaying device, while the data setting device itself is removed from the watt-hour meter after the data and the programs have been memorized in the PROM.

Abstract: A solid state electronic pulse scaler uses the ratio of two integers to control a ratio of its input and output frequencies. In one embodiment, the pulse scaler is used as a calibration device to adjust for manufacturing tolerances in an electric metering device. In another embodiment, the pulse scaler is used to provide a pulse-initiator output to external circuits. A further embodiment includes both of the above functions in a single device. A switch-selectable control is provided to determine the consequences of input pulses generated during reverse rotation of a meter disk. The reverse pulses may be used to generate output pulses on the same, or a separate, channel as that employed for forward pulses, ignored, or temporarily stored and subtracted from ensuing forward pulses.

Abstract: An electric watthour meter provides for selectively accumulating energy consumption in one of at least two registers according to the value of a parameter relative to a predetermined threshold level. The parameter may be a load current, a line voltage, a time of day or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory copy programmer provides temporary storage into which data can be read out from a non-volatile memory of an electronic demand register of an electric meter and from which the stored data can be written into a non-volatile memory in a replacement demand register. The non-volatile memory copy programmer also produces control signals for controlling reading and writing in the non-volatile memory. A power monitor circuit in the demand register enables the storage of data from a volatile memory to the non-volatile memory in the event of a loss of power and enables restoring the data from the non-volatile to the volatile memory when the power is restored.

Abstract: A system for programming a time-of-use meter register includes a portable programmer removably coupled to the register, a computer for compiling time-of-use rate schedules, and a computer interface device for removably connecting the computer and the portable programmer. An operator commands the computer to transmit a plurality of rate schedules from the computer over the computer interface device to the portable programmer where they are stored in RAM memory. Field personnel then optically couple the programmer to the register, and initiate a transfer of the rate schedule from programmer RAM to the register.

Abstract: An electronic demand register divides a demand interval into a contiguous set of N demand subintervals. The demand in each demand subinterval is summed with the demands from the N-1 most recent contiguous demand subintervals to derive the interval demand. The interval demand is compared with a prior stored maximum demand to decide whether to discard the present interval demand or to use it to replace the previously recorded maximum demand. Demand is accumulated in terms of actual power usage by scaling power usage pulses according to the relationship in the particular meter on which the rolling demand register is used. Thresholds are provided for producing warning signals to alert the consumer to an actual or impending demand condition which may adversely affect billing.

Abstract: A skid plate retained below an electronic register module includes a plurality of cantilevered spring fingers formed by parallel pairs of slots in the skid plate. Each cantilevered spring finger includes a frusto-conical button which bears against a back plate in a housing during installation of the electronic register module therein. A rear end of the back plate includes a pair of mouse holes into which a rear pair of frusto-conical buttons engage during an intermediate stage of inserting the electronic register module into the housing. This engagement establishes the correct side-to-side positioning of the rear end of the electronic register module. A front cantilevered spring finger and its associated frusto-conical button resiliently urge the front of the electronic register module upward during substantially all stages of installation and in the operational position thereof.

Abstract: An electronic register for an electric meter includes a non-volatile storage into which data is written upon the detection of an impending power outage. A sufficient quantity of electric energy is normally stored in a capacitor to continue operation of the electronic register for a long enough period of time to complete the writing of data to the non-volatile storage. In order to prevent writing of the data to non-volatile storage in the presence of noise or momentary power outages, when the voltage in the capacitor decays to a point which indicates an impending power outage, a timer is started. If the voltage is not restored before the end of the timing cycle of the timer, then the data is written to the non-volatile storage. If the voltage is restored before the end of the timing cycle, then writing of the data to the non-volatile storage is prevented.

Abstract: An electronic demand register includes a processor for calculating a demand in a demand subinterval. At the end of each demand subinterval, the calculated demand is summed with the demand in the preceding N-1 subintervals to derive an interval demand over N contiguous subintervals. The interval demand is compared to a previously recorded maximum demand and, if the interval demand exceeds the maximum demand, its value is substituted for the maximum demand for use in subsequent comparisons. The processor employs volatile memory. A non-volatile memory is provided for storing the billing data and programmed constants in the event of an impending power outage. A power monitor detects the possibility of an impending power outage and, operating on stored energy, both enables and powers the transfer of data to the non-volatile memory. When power is resumed, the power monitor enables resetting the processor and retransferring the data from the non-volatile to the volatile memory for resumption of demand metering.

Abstract: A programmable time-of-use metering system is disclosed for metering electrical energy consumption at multiple rates depending on the time of day, time of week and time of year in which the energy is being consumed. A method for registering total energy consumed by a metered system as well as energy consumed during preselected time intervals is also disclosed.

Abstract: A time-of-day watt-hour meter shifts sensitivity whenever the utility transmits an audio tone over the power line to the watt-hour meter. Via an integrated circuit receiver, the tone causes a solid state switch to close, thus increasing the meter sensitivity by increasing the effective number of turns of a voltage coil across the 240 volt line. The effective sensitivity of the meter can be adjusted as desired by varying the duty cycle of the tone transmitted over the power line.

Abstract: A multirate dial register for meters having a rotatable measuring element includes plural sets of dial indicators having at least one set thereof selectively coupled by a clutch mechanism to the measuring element such that the ratio of measuring indications at the one set of dial indicators is controllable at the front of the register for converting between measurements of different parameters of a measured quantity by a solenoid actuated clutch wherein one solenoid plunger end controls the clutch and the opposite plunger end controls an on-off dial indicator.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism for time of day watthour meter dial registers includes a clutch mechanism having a driving part continuous driven by a rotating measuring element so that it is freely rotatable when the clutch is open and a clutch driven part which is shiftable between clutch open and clutch closed positions by a lever arm which further arrests rotation of the clutch driving part during the clutch open position.

Abstract: A power measuring device is disclosed featuring the capability of converting resistively coupled load current and voltage signals to a digital pulse train whose frequency is proportional to the instantaneous power drawn. The digital pulse train can be optically coupled to a microcomputer-based display or process controller for conversion of the pulse train frequency to a power consumption indicating signal.

Abstract: An electrical energy consumption meter for use on a consumer's premises has data processing means responsive to the sensed voltage and current and to data such as tariff rates and clock information, for computing and displaying charges in monetary terms. A data link with the utility enables the utility to make use of this information and to add hire purchase commitments, etc. to the charges for energy consumption and also to enter credits for payments received. The data link may include provision for credit transfer by the consumer. Coin or token prepayment facilities may also be provided.

Abstract: An A.C. electric power usage measuring and display system using microcomputer based digital processing. Power usage pulses optically sensed from a watthour meter rotary disc and time pulses sensed from the 60 Hz A.C. power line are input to a microprocessor that is programmed to calculate and display the day of the week 1 to 7, the time of day on a 24-hour clock basis, the total watthours and kilowatthours since the start of a billing period on a decimal basis, the peak interval watthours and kilowatthours on a decimal basis, the peak interval start time and end time on a 24-hour clock basis for a peak interval of predetermined time, the peak power demand in kilowatts on a decimal basis, the day of the peak demand on a weekly 1 to 7 basis, the time of the peak demand on a 24-hour clock basis, and the present demand in kilowatts on a decimal basis.

Abstract: An electric energy meter has a programmable time based measuring system carried in a sealed enclosure for mounting the meter at a metering location. A radiation sensitive external data interface receives and transmits data encoded radiations through a transparent communications window of the enclosure. Pulse data is processed by the external data interface in serial data bit transmissions in and out of the measuring system for programming, readout and testing of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a replaceable battery comprised of a unitary structure having a chamber therein for receiving a battery and a resilient retaining means cooperating in the chamber with the battery provides a structure for easily replacing a battery. The apparatus is particularly adaptable to a programmable electrical watthour meter where a battery and programming connector in the watthour meter must be accessed through an access port in a housing of the watthour meter to replace the battery and service the watthour meter.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and controlling the electrical power consumption of an electrical power consuming system, which apparatus measures and displays the rate and accumulated amount of total electrical consumption by the system, computes the average daily consumption, and signals when the average daily consumption exceeds a predetermined target as established by the consumer. Also, the apparatus generates an output indicative of peak integrated power consumption over a predetermined time period, and an indication of the precise time of occurrence thereof, to aid the consumer in his effort to isolate primary sources of power consumption. In addition, the apparatus of the invention computes the difference between the average daily consumption and the target daily consumption, which differences are displayed in order to provide a meaningful measure of the consumer's progress in controlling the amount of useage of the particular electrical power consuming system being monitored.

Abstract: A supplemental energy register in which successive increments of consumed electrical energy are detected at a kilowatthour meter, and are translated into electrical pulse signals. Digital calculation and display logic is operated by the pulses, either directly or through intermediate transmission over the household network. Kilowatthours are directly accumulated in increments corresponding to those sensed at the meter, while net cost is computed by chain addition utilizing the prevailing cost per increment rate, which is maintained in a keyboard controllable memory. The register may desirably be inserted in the leads connecting an electric utilization device to the local common network.

Abstract: In a device for measuring maximum energy consumption over a fixed period, a shift register and up-down counter are used to establish a sliding period and the maximum energy over that sliding period stored.

Abstract: An energy meter at an electrical substation contains a detector which chas state each time a quantity of energy is consumed. This data is accumulated in a microprocessor system. Real time energy consumption data is fed back to a customer monitoring station and may be telemetered to a power company central billing station. Customer and power company have their demand periods synchronized by the microprocessor system.

Abstract: A supplemental energy register in which successive increments of consumed electrical energy are detected at a kilowatthour meter, and are translated into electrical pulse signals. Digital calculation and display logic is operated by the pulses, either directly or through intermediate transmission over the household network. Kilowatthours are directly accumulated in increments corresponding to those sensed at the meter, while net cost is computed by chain addition utilizing the prevailing cost per increment rate, which is maintained in a keyboard controllable memory. The register may desirably be inserted in the leads connecting an electric utilization device to the local common network.

Abstract: An improved watt-hour meter which permits time modulation of the power utilized wherein varying rates can be imposed upon the power user. The improved meter includes a substantially standard type watt-hour meter to which is added circuitry which alters the effective time during which the potential coil of the watt-hour meter is connected in circuit. Inasmuch as the power reading or indication by the meter is a function of the time during which the potential coil is connected in circuit, the effective power reading and, thus the rate structure can be selectively altered in this manner.

Abstract: A time of day demand metering system is disclosed for registering the amount of electrical energy consumed during the one demand interval of maximum electrical energy consumption out of a plurality of demand intervals. Means is provided to engage the register of a time of day meter only during those demand intervals when the amount of electrical energy being consumed is in excess of the one previous demand interval of maximum electrical energy consumption.

Abstract: A time based measuring system for electric energy meters includes a non-volatile data memory for processing time related data. The system further includes a main DC supply energized from an AC source and an auxiliary DC supply energized by a primary battery source. The data memory and a low power secondary timer circuit are energized from the auxiliary DC supply in response to failure of the main DC supply. A low power circuit arrangement including the secondary circuit continues current time and calendar registrations during a power outage.

Abstract: In a power system, a time-of-day demand meter of the type having a programmable control circuit for generating a control signal at prescribed intervals to enable a demand logic circuit to control the engagement of a demand register of the meter includes apparatus responsive to the control signal to generate an end of interval signal to disengage the demand register at a specified time as selected by the apparatus to control the length of demand intervals during which the consumption of electrical energy is measured.

Abstract: An electronic time-of-day metering system is disclosed for measuring electrical power by at least two different mechanical recording devices depending on the time-of-day and time of week in which the electrical power is being consumed. A conventional kilowatt hour meter includes a set of decade gear driven dials which register the kilowatt hours consumed on a continuous basis. At least one other set of decade gear driven dials is provided for registering the consumption of kilowatt hours during preselected peak power usage intervals. A single MOS integrated circuit controls the operation of the alternate set of decade gear driven dials. This circuit utilizes as its time base the 60 Hz line voltage derived from the energy distribution system being metered. A clock circuit generates timing signals for a clock control circuit which includes a circulatory memory which is preprogrammed to contain the times at which one or more alternate sets of dials are to be actuated.

Abstract: According to the supply system, a customer purchases a chip corresponding to a predetermined amount of electricity from a power company and sets the chip in a control device installed in the customer house.

Abstract: A multi-dial meter register includes two energy consumption dial gear trains and a maximum power demand gear train that are selectively coupled to the meter movement of an electric utility billing meter. Two shifting control plates produce engagements and disengagements at input gears of the gear trains. A connecting shaft extends between the control plates and provides concurrent movement and further provides a dial status indicator at one end thereof.

Abstract: A variable-rate electric adapting device for use with a watt-hour meter of the single- or polyphase induction-type, the adapting device being arranged to generate a controlled variable-rate input to the magnetic circuit of the meter to vary the drive of the meter motor in accordance with programmed rate versus time profiles stored in a programming element of the device, the latter being either pre-programmed or continuously programmed by data link. The programming element is arranged to address the adapting device only at discrete intervals of time coinciding with control signals from a timing device. The profile constants may be changed by data links, temperature transducers, voltage amplitude detectors and load detectors. Additional outputs are derived from the programming element to allow individual loads to be connected and disconnected.

Abstract: A multiple rate meter for totalizing electrical power usage from an alternating current supply, including a rotatable member which rotates at a speed proportional to the rate of power usage, and solid state circuitry which times the speed of the rotatable member versus the supply frequency. The electrical power usage is totalized in a first manner when the speed of the rotatable member is below a predetermined magnitude, and in a second manner when the speed reaches the predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: An electronic time-of-day metering system is disclosed for measuring electrical power by at least two different mechanical recording devices depending on the time-of-day and time of week in which the electrical power is being consumed. A conventional kilowatt hour meter includes a set of decade gear driven dials which register the kilowatt hours consumed on a continuous basis. At least one other set of decade gear driven dials is provided for registering the consumption of kilowatt hours during preselected peak power usage intervals. A single MOS integrated circuit controls the operation of the alternate set of decade gear driven dials. This circuit utilizes as its time base the 60 Hz line voltage derived from the energy distribution system being metered. A clock circuit generates timing signals for a clock control circuit which includes a circulatory memory which is preprogrammed to contain the times at which one or more alternate sets of dials are to be actuated.